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PERRIS: Ceremony planned for Memorial Day

Korean War veteran Bernie Foley, a member of American Legion Post 595 in Perris, stands at attention during the 2012 Memorial Day Service at the Perris Valley Cemetery. This years service is at 9 a.m. on May 27.

The public is invited to attend Memorial Day services at 9 a.m. Monday, May 27, at the Perris Valley Cemetery.

American Legion Post 595 in Perris will once again host the ceremony as it has for nearly 70 years.

Former Marine Joanne Evans will serve as master of ceremonies for the remembrance. Evans recalled the words of President Calvin Coolidge as he reflected about the significance of Memorial Day: âThe nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.â

She said Americans must never forget the veterans who served the nation during times of need and peril.

âThis isnât just another weekend to have a barbecue,â Evans said. âItâs not just about the beginning of summer. Itâs the opportunity to honor those who have served who have made it possible to have all those sorts of weekends. We honor the veterans who have served, and who continue to serve.â

Members of the Legion Post have spent the last several weeks distributing red crepe-paper flower poppies, replicas of the real-life poppies immortalized in the World War I poem âIn Flanders Fields.â The paper flowers are made by hospitalized veterans and are distributed for donations that support various American Legion and American Legion programs benefitting needy veterans throughout California.

The dayâs keynote speaker will be Col. Dave Pavay of the United State Air Force Reserves at March Air Reserve Base. The presentation of colors will be completed by cadets from the California Military Institute. Retired Navy Capt. Quinn Hawley will do the invocation and benediction with Candace Hawley singing the National anthem.

The first known services were held on May 30, 1892 over the grave site of Civil war veteran John Reynolds, great grandfather of Perris resident Cheryl French. There are 13 Civil War veterans buried there including Ulysses OâGrady, great grandfather of Iral Evans, a Navy veteran and a member of a pioneer family. There are about 800 veterans from all wars and conflicts buried at the Perris Valley Cemetery.

Services in Perris start early so that those who have family at national cemetery in Riverside may have time to go to the services there which start at 11 am. The Perris Valley Cemetery is at 915 North Perris Blvd.

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